I love this DD23 Bliss craft. It was a pleasure to build and watch it take shape. I lowered the end lines up to the stems quite a lot. So it has a nice flair - to almost flat gunwale line. It is my favorite canoe ever. It is a very clean and smooth paddle. I sit near the end and my wife sits just forward of midships. Handles like a dream.
Actually this canoe can carry a fair load for its size and I plan to canoe - camp with it.
The plans, in miniature form, are included in Dennis Davis' Book "Build You Own Canoe". Remember to flatten the end lines toward the stem a great deal lower than the basic plans show. There is some creative planning to do. Some builders cut it out as shown then free form the gunwale to please their eye, trimming it down from there. I cut it down while both laying it out and in the build process in order to get low enough, because the higher ends of the original design are wind catchers.
Enjoy.

Reply

Wes Vaught

8/7/2013 12:24:29 pm

By the way. The picture in the website photo here is a of a craft that has the gunwale lines flattened. The original plans have a very high upward sweep which is a bit to high for most tastes and wind issues.
The photo on DD page here is similar to the lines on my boat build.
Also, most paddlers will not do so well paddling solo from near the mid-line as illustrated. Wait to install any seating until you are sure of your best paddling position. I still paddle this boat kneeling, therefore can adjust my position to whatever load or passenger I have at the other end.
This boat is a very sweet ride.

Wes,
Thank you for your comments. You don't say if you built the standard, or longer version. Two seat layouts are given on the plans, but only one in my book. I have been told too that the longer version is a little more 'tippy' than the standard. This might be expected since the longer keel line will not have more rocker which does add to stability.

Wes

8/10/2013 06:50:44 pm

Thank you for the reply.
The one I built is about 13' 8" stem to stem.
It is has excellent secondary stability, so feels very steady in the flow.

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CHRIS BLOMELEY

1/21/2018 10:05:28 am

This will be my 3rd DD23 ive built. The first (1998)ish was stolen after about 2yrz of use. The second was lost in a divorce! This time round id like to build a 16' from 6mm. My question is; in the book 305mm is taken off the hull and used for decking etc. Can I leave the 305mm on to give me a 16' canoe?
Thanks in advance and I aim to hang on to this one...

Reply

Dennis Davis

1/22/2018 01:13:39 am

Chris,
Yes, you can build longer - in fact the paper plan does give the info on how to do this. 6mm ply can be used, but does make more difficult the curving at the bow/stern. If you go ahead without the paper plan make sure you keep the convex curves convex. If they become flat or concave the resultant edge on the hill will not be a fair curve. Hope this is some help. Dennis.

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CHRIS BLOMELEY

1/28/2018 01:16:34 am

Hi Dennis, thanks for replying. I'm taking on board your comment about the paper plan as I'm not sure which plain may concave! My question today is if I transfer the funds to you today would you be able to email me a copy please? My plan is to buy the wood, mark out and cut out Monday eve. Thanks for your consideration...

Katie watts

1/29/2018 12:36:10 pm

Hi Chris
This is Dennis's daughter Katie.
Sorry for the delay in replying.
Thank you for your enquiry for the DD23 plans. At the moment I don't have the facility to email the plans but if you could let me know where you are, I can let you know the cost of purchasing the plans. You are able to pay by PayPal.
Regards katie

Reply

Katie

1/30/2018 02:23:54 am

Hi Chris
If you are interested in purchasing plans, please could I suggest you use either of the email addresses on the web page.
Thank you
Katie watts